Reggie Ellis visits Champaign

Mike Farrell | Recruiting Analyst

Rivals250 defensive tackle Reggie Ellis out of Washington (D.C.) Dunbar took an official visit over the weekend to Illinois. What did the 6-foot-2, 278-pounder think of the trip and what is next for him?

"The visit was great," he said. "It was a great atmosphere at the game, a terrific system and a wonderful supporting staff.

"I got up there on Saturday morning and met with the coaches. I talked to them a lot about my future if I were to go to Illinois. I also talked with coach Zook and met his family and hung out with some of the D.C. guys. It was a great experience."

Obviously, the four-star prospect made the trip for the game against Penn State. What did he think?

"The game was great," he said. "They played well, especially Regis (Arrelious Benn) and Vontae Davis. A couple things stood out about the game. The fans knew who I was and the atmosphere was great. I also really liked the team. They played hard until the end. I really liked the defense too. They did their job, tackled and got pressure for four quarters."

Following the game, Ellis was hosted by his former teammate Vontae Davis.

"It was fun with him," he said. "He's a guy I played with and I had a great experience with him. We still talk a lot. He told me a lot of great things if I go there.

"I also talked with Regis. He's one of my closer buddies. He talked about the coaches trying to get the best guys to commit there."

On Sunday, the No. 1 prospect in D.C. met with head coach Ron Zook.

"I met with the coaches and had a one-on-one with coach Zook," he said. "That was pretty cool. I talked with him with my aunt. He mentioned how he wants me to be a student athlete and how much he wants me there."

Next up for Ellis are two more trips.

"I'm going to Alabama on October 20th and then to Pittsburgh probably later in October."